Remarks by Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood Initiative taken by Hon’ble First Lady Begum Samina Arif Alvi – Creating Awareness about Breast Cancer “Think Pink with PFOWA”

Hon’ble First Lady,

President PFOWA (Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association),

Ambassadors,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Distinguished Guests,

First of all, a very warm welcome to the Foreign Office.

I am privileged to be a part of this noble initiative on Breast Cancer Awareness, being organized by PFOWA with the support and guidance of the Hon’ble First Lady.

As we are all aware, breast cancer is one of the most rampant causes of death amongst women globally – and Pakistan has one of the highest prevalence rates in South Asia.

Given the gravity of this disease, it is imperative to overcome the taboos rooted in the society regarding the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Breast Cancer.

Initiatives such as this event play a pivotal role in raising awareness regarding Breast Cancer and equipping us with the requisite information to wage this battle more effectively.

This year, there were even greater efforts than the past regarding the campaign on Breast Cancer Awareness: Lighting up buildings in pink, wearing pink ribbons, and most importantly encouraging a sustained public discourse on this important subject on the television, in newspapers, and on social media — all these steps have contributed enormously. And we are deeply grateful to Hon’ble President Dr. Arif Alvi and the First Lady for their leadership in spearheading these efforts.

I would conclude my remarks by reaffirming our full support and solidarity for everyone associated with this critical cause, in any capacity whatsoever. The Foreign Office wishes them all the best, and commits to providing any assistance required in the advancement of this consequential initiative that can help save many precious lives.

I thank you.